How to Choose Coffee Beans?

Choosing coffee beans comes down to three questions: single origin or blend, espresso or filter roast, and which flavour profile you prefer. Below is a brief overview of each, along with how to choose coffee for your preferred brewing method.

Single Origin or Blend

Single-origin coffee comes from a specific place of origin, such as a country, region, or farm. Its flavour is influenced by its origin, coffee variety, and processing method. Rwanda Shyira Natural features notes of berry jam, caramel, milk chocolate, and grape, while Kenya Tegu AB stands out with notes of lemon, gooseberry, black tea, and dried apricot. Brazil Fagundes Community comes from a 1.1-hectare family farm and features notes of dark chocolate, citrus, and nuts.

Blends combine coffees from multiple origins to create a specific flavour profile. Marmalade contains coffees from Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ethiopia, while the composition of Toffee changes seasonally to maintain a similar flavour profile throughout the year.

Espresso or Filter Roast

Espresso roast is typically darker than filter roast and often brings out caramel, chocolate, and nutty flavours. Filter roast is generally lighter, allowing fruit, citrus, and floral notes to come through more clearly.

Chocolate Bar, Toffee, and Candy Shop are espresso blends. Omni roast is designed for different brewing methods, although the suitability of a particular coffee depends on its flavour profile and brewing method.

Flavour Categories

KALVE coffees are divided into four flavour categories. Full and Creamy features a full, creamy texture with notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel. Sweet and Fruity highlights fruit and berry flavours with a juicy texture. These coffees can work well both as filter coffee and espresso. Light and Juicy coffees are light and tea-like, with pronounced acidity and citrus notes that are particularly well suited to filter brewing. Truly Unique is for coffees with unusual flavour profiles that are difficult to place in the other categories.

Brewing Method

Espresso coffees are often well suited to espresso machines and moka pots, while Chemex, V60, Kalita, and Aeropress can highlight the characteristics of filter roasts particularly well. When brewing coffee directly in the cup (in-cup), any coffee can be used, which is why this method is also used for professional cupping.

Espresso requires a shorter extraction time, as well as higher pressure. Water temperature is typically around 90–96 °C. Filter coffee generally uses a coarser grind and a longer brewing time, while water temperature is often around 90–96 °C. The exact settings should be adjusted to the specific coffee and brewing method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose specialty coffee?

Specialty coffee is defined by its characteristics and value, rather than by a single score. The Specialty Coffee Association's current definition emphasises coffee's inherent characteristics and the additional value they create, including flavour, aroma, origin, and cultivation and processing methods. In the past, specialty coffee was widely associated with a minimum score of 80 points on a 100-point scale, but the SCA's current approach is no longer based solely on this single number.

What is the difference between espresso and filter coffee?

Espresso and filter coffee differ primarily in their brewing methods, rather than simply in roast level. Espresso is brewed under pressure and with a shorter contact time, while filter coffee involves water passing more slowly through the coffee. Darker roasts are often used for espresso, bringing out caramel, chocolate, and nutty flavours, while lighter roasts more often highlight fruit, citrus, and floral notes.

Single origin or blend: which should I choose?

Single-origin coffee comes from a specific place of origin, such as a country, region, or farm. Its flavour profile can reflect characteristics associated with its origin and processing method, such as the lemon and gooseberry notes of Kenya Tegu AB. Blends combine coffees from multiple origins to create a specific flavour profile. For example, Marmalade combines coffees from Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ethiopia.

How do I choose the right coffee for my taste?

KALVE coffees are divided into four flavour categories: Full and Creamy, Sweet and Fruity, Light and Juicy, and Truly Unique. Full and Creamy pairs well with milk, while Light and Juicy is light and tea-like and often works particularly well as filter coffee.

Does KALVE also offer ground coffee?

Yes. For each coffee product in the online shop, you can choose the appropriate grind size, for example for an espresso machine, moka pot, or French press. KALVE grinds the coffee according to the selected brewing method after receiving the order. If you would also like your coffee ground in person, you can ask a barista at a KALVE café.

Where can I buy coffee beans?

KALVE coffee beans can be ordered from the online shop at kalvecoffee.com. They are also available at KALVE cafés in Riga.